Looking to fortify their bullpen during the early stages of the 2018 season, the Los Angeles Dodgers claimed Erik Goeddel off waivers from the Seattle Mariners. The right-hander became available after being designated for assignment by the Mariners.
While Goeddel joined the Dodgers via the Mariners, he spent the first seven seasons of his professional career with the New York Mets. He signed a Minor League contract with the Texas Rangers prior to the 2018 season, and latched on with the Mariners after getting released during Spring Training.
The UCLA product was lights-out with the Dodgers, going 1-0 and throwing 14.1 scoreless innings through his first 13 appearances with the team. Goeddel was a key member of the bullpen until landing on the 10-day disabled list Aug. 3.
He returned after the minimum stay on the DL and pitched two days later. However, that wound up being Goeddel’s final game as he was put back on the disabled list Aug. 17 due to right elbow inflammation.
An X-ray didn’t reveal any structural damage in Goeddel’s throwing elbow but he was eventually transferred to the 60-day disabled list on Sept. 1 because of the inflammation.
Goeddel finished with a 3.38 ERA, 4.18 FIP and 1.26 WHIP over 26 games with the Dodgers. He was designated for assignment as one of the several corresponding moves to prospects being added to the Dodgers 40-man roster as a means of protecting them from the 2018 Rule 5 Draft.
Goeddel has since been released from the organization.
2018 Highlight
Goeddel’s impressive start to his Dodgers career not only produced scoreless work but 16 strikeouts in the 14.1 innings. That included Goeddel striking out the side in a win against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field.
2019 Outlook
Assuming he’s healthy, Goeddel figures to be in line for another Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. Although he was released, it would not come as a complete shock of that opportunity is with the Dodgers.
